International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 2, Issue 11, November-2011

ISSN 2229-5518

A Wireless Based Real-time Patient Monitoring

System
Sowmyasudhan S, Manjunath S
Abstract - The paper demonstrated gives the complete idea on a system which uses four smart sensors to detect the respective four pathological
parameters of a baby or a person and interfacing the cell phone to this system to alarm the doctors. The smart sensors senses the biomedical signal of
the subject under study (here subject means a baby or a person with pathological disorders) and executes with the controlled coding of the mother
processor that is microcontroller and further it hooks the wireless cell phone and using the application software, TEXT application protocol of the cell
phone to alarm the respective doctors. With this idea to save energy by consuming the cell phone battery and to help out people below poverty line to
contact experienced doctors, who are out of reach and they by analysis is done perfectly. No external source is used for triggering the alarm. Using
wireless-based low cost to monitor real-time pathological parameters of the subject and say it as a simple biomedical-caring system. The system keeps
an extra eye on the pathological parameters of subject under test/babies at home/ICU. The intelligent system consists of detector circuit and mobile
display unit at the receiver section. The detector circuit uses different application sensors to detect health condition of the subject at the source. The
mobile display unit is used to visualize the health situation by using the text based application on the cell phones by a doctor or concerned person. The
standard for mobile telephony that has been used in this project is wireless communication. The ubiquity of implementation of the wireless standard has
been an advantage to both consumers, who may benefit from the ability to roam and switch carriers without replacing phones, and also to network
operators, who can choose equipment from many wireless equipment vendors. Wireless also pioneered low-cost implementation of the short message
service (SMS), also called text messaging, which has since been supported on other mobile phone standards as well. The standard includes a
worldwide emergency telephone number feature. So, the main aim of this project is to get information about the condition of the critical subject which
needs to be monitored round the clock, which is in ICU through wireless. The wireless Transmitter sends the details about incubator's temperature,
voice level , heart rate and its movement to the destination point which is a doctors mobile and these details are displayed on the mobile screen in the
form of SMSs, so that the doctor can analyze the condition from the place where he is sitting. This is the most basic foundation in the area of
telemedicine application.
Index Terms- Wireless Communication, Smart Sensors, Tele-medicine, 24*7 Monitoring.

1. INTRODUCTION
In recent world continuous monitoring of the pathological
parameters is an important challenge , which consumes more
memory units and need more complex processing processor
which count for more money .In this case, the continuous
inspection of the pathological subject which is in the intensive
care unit is done using indicators and sensors. The outputs of
these sensors, indirectly or in some form, are connected to

acquisition from the transmitter section, secondly the signal

processing and conversion to digital form; thirdly decision
making with the help of an algorithm where they obtained
signal values are compared with the standard values and
finally the transmission of the condition of the patient to the
destination.
2. SCHEMATIC LAYOUT OF THE DESIGN

indicators.
If the subject is in good health condition, made by decision
algorithm within the processor designed at standard values
then the indicator will alarm BABY IS NORMAL, otherwise
it will alarm BABY IS ABNORMAL. This study finds vast
application in the remote places where the people are out of
reach from the experienced doctors; keeping this factor in
mind best effort is done to implement some of the basic test of
pathological data on the system. Hence the entire project can
be broadly divided into four sections firstly, the signal

SOWMYA/CSE/ATME/sowmya.atme@gmail.com
MANJUNATHA S/ECE/ATME/atmemanju@gmail.com
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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 2, Issue 11, November-2011
ISSN 2229-5518

Block

diagram

1:

WIRELESS

Based

real-time

patient

Monitoring System

Hence the entire paper can be broadly divided into four

sections:

Firstly, the signal acquisition from the transmitter section,

Secondly the signal processing and conversion to digital form
if necessary,Thirdly decision making with the help of an
algorithm where they obtained signal values are compared
with the standard values and; Finally the transmission of the
condition of the patient to the destination.Firstly regulated
power supply is used to regulate the supply to 5v DC and it is
given to the microcontroller. Sensors continuously monitor
and provide analog/digital signals in response to inputs of
various features of the patient like temperature, voice, heart
beat and movement and these outputted signals can be read by
a reader or an instrument. Usually the sensor signal is weak in
nature and hence it requires processing. The processing may
include amplification and noise cancellation. The amplified
signal is converted into the corresponding digital signals if
required using an analog to digital converter by means of
which, it provides the easiest way to communicate. These
digital processed signals are given to a decision algorithm
which is previously written in the form of HEX code within the

Circuit diagram 2 & 3: LM35 sensor circuit and Voice

Detecting/Amplifying Circuit

microcontroller and stored in the memory of a microcontroller.

These signals are compared with the standard statistics of a
normal standard values. Finally the data/ health condition of
the subject is transmitted to the doctor (receiving wireless
device). LCD displays are used to display the good and bad
conditions of the patient. Buzzer/SMS acts as an indicator to
indicate abnormal condition of a patient under observation
and the doctor can take immediate action.
Circuit diagram 4: PIR Sensor Based Movement Detector
3. SENSOR CIRCUITS

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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 2, Issue 11, November-2011
ISSN 2229-5518

The condenser microphone senses the burst of cry from the

paralyzed subject under test ,the wave motion thus creates a
change in the capacitance value in the microphone there by
generating the electric signal of very low amplitude in terms of
0.001 mv .The common emitter type configuration with voltage
divider biasing circuit three level of multistage amplifier with
the gain factor of 10.Thus the output from the amplifier is
suitable enough to activate the main processor that is
microcontroller. If the cry burst is greater than the 12 cry burst
threshold the processor alarms the doctor.
4.2 CIRCUIT EXPLANATION FOR MOVEMENT SENSOR
Circuit diagram 5: LDR Sensor
4.

CIRCUIT

EXPLANATION

FOR

The PIR sensor with the Fresnels cavity with the viewing
TEMPERATURE

SENSOR

angle of 180 degrees

keeps on tracking

for the random

The LM35 temperature sensor directly senses 10mv for every

movement of the baby under observation , the infrared

1degree centigrade directly, which is more advantageous the

radiations creates a pit in the chip thus generates the electrical

baby under test should be provided so as to touch the sensor,

signal , the human body radiates approximately 8 to 12

Once the vital signs so obtained is digitized using analog to

micrometers of IR radiations. If the baby moves randomly the

digital convertor chip 0804 using SAR method .In order to

values of the radiation pits changes randomly and generates a

process ac signals, SAR ADCs must have an input sample-and-

very low frequency small amplitude signal .If so sensed values

hold (SHA) to keep the signal constant during the conversion

doesnt limits within the range of 10 inches it alarms. When

cycle. On the assertion of the CONVERT START command, the

the PIR sensor detects the movement of a warm body the

sample-and-hold (SHA) is placed in the hold mode, and the

integrated LED Indicator lights up for a second or two. When

internal DAC is set to midscale. The comparator determines

the LED is not lit, C and NC are connected. When the LED is lit

whether the SHA output is above or below the DAC output,

C and NC are not connected. Everything would be a lot easier

and the result (bit 1, the most significant bit of the conversion)

for us if it worked the other way around - i.e. C and NC only

is stored in the successive approximation register (SAR). The

connected when motion is detected, however a simple

DAC is then set either to scale or scale (depending on the

transistor inverter NOT gate can be used to invert the output

value of bit 1), and the comparator makes the decision for bit 2

signal.

of the conversion. The result is stored in the register, and the

So, when the PIR sensor unit detects motion, the LED lights

process continues until the entire bit values have been

up, the PIR Sensor signal is 0V which is then inverted to an

determined. The

8-bit pulse format data is input to the

output signal of +12V (by our simple NOT gate). When no

microcontroller via port 1.A protection circuit is designed

motion is detected, the LED is not lit, the PIR sensor signal is

using a zener diode LM330 of 2.5V for the reverse flow of the

+12V which is then inverted to an output signal of 0V.The

voltage back to the microcontroller. With the provided pot in

output signal can then be connected across the coil of a relay, a

the circuit the threshold of the temperature can be varied.

12 Volt LED spotlight, or a buzzer/alarm for example.

4.1 CIRCUIT EXPLANATION FOR VOICE SENSOR

However, the device (or circuit) connected to the output from

the NOT gate circuit will only receive power for as long as the
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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 2, Issue 11, November-2011
ISSN 2229-5518

LED indicator is lit on the PIR sensor unit - a couple of seconds

the systolic stroke of the heart into the body parts, the finger

at most.

gets its blood via the radial artery on the arm. The blood flow

The human body radiates infrared waves with wavelengths of

into the finger can be sensed photo electrically. To count the

8 to 12 micrometers. Any movement by a person leads to a

heart beats, here we use a small light source on one side of the

change in the amount of infrared energy which a sensor can

finger (thumb) and observe the change in light intensity on the

detect within its range. The PIR sensor reacts to this change in

other side. The blood flow causes variation in light intensity

infrared energy and provides a low- frequency, small

reaching the light-dependent resistor (LDR), which results in

amplitude signal.

change in signal strength due to change in the resistance of the

amount

of

The sensor can sense the change in the

infrared

energy

within

small

distances,

LDR.

approximately up to 10 inches. For detecting movements at

The heart rate sensor uses 650nm wavelength LDR light at the

longer distance, infrared radiation has to be focused. This

transmitter end and photo resistor at the receiver end so that

focusing is done by a Fresnel lens. A Fresnel lens divides the

the light penetrates the baby middle finger and reads the data

whole area into different zones. Any movement between zones

of the pulse .The electrical signal are of 0.001mv (signal voltage

leads to a change in the IR (infrared) energy received by the

is very low) so picked up are amplified with an op-amp to

sensor. There are different types of Fresnel lenses depending

meet the specification of the microcontroller. Thus processed

on the range (distance) and coverage angle. Thus a person

values are compared with the threshold of 81bpm and if the

entering a monitored area is detected when the infrared energy

incoming

emitted from the intruder's body is focused by a Fresnel lens or

microcontroller alarms the doctor via cell phone.

a mirror segment and overlaps a section on the piezoelectric

5. SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION

sensor chip that had previously been looking at some much

EXPLANATION OF THE ALGORITHM

cooler part of the protected area. That portion of the chip is

After the processing of the signals which are got from the

now much warmer than when the intruder wasn't there. As the

sensors,

intruder moves, so does the hot spot on the surface of the chip.

sample

value

is

greater

than

threshold

They are converted into digital if necessary and are given to a

This moving hot spot causes the electronics connected to the

decision algorithm which is previously written in the form of

chip to de-energize the relay, operating its contacts, thereby

code and it is stored in the memory of a microcontroller.

activating the detection input on the alarm control panel.

normal standard values.

Conversely, if an intruder were to try to defeat a PID, perhaps

by holding some sort of thermal shield between himself and

These signals are compared with the standard statistics of a

Hence the continuous inspection of the patient which is in the

the PID, a corresponding 'cold' spot moving across the face of

intensive care unit is done using indicators and sensors. The

the chip will also cause the relay to de-energize unless the

output of the sensors, indirectly or in some form are connected

thermal shield has the same temperature as the objects behind

to indicators. If the patient is in good health condition, then the

it.

indicator will display BABY IS NORMAL, otherwise it will

4.3 CIRCUIT EXPLANATION FOR PULSE RATE SENSOR

display BABY IS ABNORMAL.

Heart rate can be measured either by the ECG wave form or by

It should be noted that: If the patient is normal, then no

the blood flow into the finger (pulse method). The pulse

warning/alert messages are sent to the doctor; otherwise the

method is simple and convenient. When blood flows during

doctor receives alert messages which indicate him to attend the

patient immediately.

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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 2, Issue 11, November-2011
ISSN 2229-5518

6. SIMULATED RESULT ANALYSIS

A

WIRELESS

BASED

REAL-TIME

PATIENT

MONITORING SYSTEM analysis or provides a basic testing

Figure 6: OUTPUT SIMULATION OF TEMPERATURE

SENSOR LM35

system which find wide range of application in telemedicine

area , where the child from remote place can take the
advantage with the latest medical prescription. The aim in this
project is to develop a small compatible universal real-time
system to alarm the doctor in-charge anywhere in the world, if
the patient experiences abnormal conditions. The testing four
basic main parameters like, Temperature, Voice, Heart-Rate
and Movement. The standard parameters are loaded on to an
external memory EEPROM, (provided by doctors as listed in
the

table).The

microcontroller,

external

memory

whenever

the

is

interfaced

system

is

to

the

ON

the

microcontroller reads the standard data and compares with the

incoming

data

from

each

respective

sensors.

If

Figure 7: INPUT SIGNAL TO TEMPERATURE SENSOR LM35

the

microcontroller observes that the incoming processing sample

value is deviated from the standard values it alarms the
Wireless modem and takes suitable action in informing the
doctor in-charge and the nurse depending upon the mobile
numbers provided in the program .A facility for three mobile
numbers which can be enhanced in future depending upon
requirement.
With the overview that the system still needs to be enhanced
before putting it under practical test. Much care has to be taken
while testing the baby, because a small reverse voltage may
paralyze the baby definitely.

Figure

8:

OUTPUT

SIMULATION

TEMPERATURE SENSOR LM35

6.2: LDR AS PULSE RATE SENSOR:

6.1:LM35 AS TEMPERATURE SENSOR:

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WAVEFORM

OF

International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 2, Issue 11, November-2011
ISSN 2229-5518

Figure 10: SIMULATION OUTPUT WAVEFORM OF LDR

SENSOR (CIRCUIT) IN AMPLITUDE VS TIME

Figure 9: SNAP SHOT SHOWING CIRCUIT DIAGRAM OF

LDR SENSOR

Table 1: Datas summarizes the simulated result tested for

different pathological disorders
7. ADVANTAGES
1. Benefits to Physicians
i) Improved diagnosis and better treatment management.
ii) Quick and timely follow-up of babies.
2. Benefits to Patients and also Parents
i) Reduced visit to hospitals for long term follow-up care.
ii) Earlier discharge of patients (babies) leading to shorter
length of stay in hospitals.
3. Hospital Benefits
i) Significant reduction in unnecessary visits.
ii) Hospitalization for specialized care at tertiary hospitals.
8. APPLICATIONS
In Biomedical Fields:
Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering
principles and techniques to the medical field. This field seeks
to close the gap between engineering and medicine.
Remote Monitoring Purposes:
Remote Monitoring refers to accessing and monitoring a
device from a distant location. At times it is not possible and
feasible to monitor a device by being physically present along
with it.
Remote Consultation:

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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 2, Issue 11, November-2011
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A consultant is usually an expert or a professional in a specific

We would like to thank heart fully our college ACADEMY

field and has a wide knowledge of the subject matter. A

FOR TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE, our

consultant usually works for a consultancy firm or is self-

colleagues and students.

employed, and engages with multiple and changing clients.

Remote Consultancy is a way of service that experts with
affluent

operating

theoretical

knowledge

and

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

practical

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www.sensorcompany.com

[2]

http://www.citris-uc.org/system/files/16-Future-of-

experience communicate with us directly.

Telemedicine-by-Javeed.pdf

9. CONCLUSION
From this project we can conclude that this can be one of the

[3]

http://www.isro.org/publications/pdf/Telemedicine.pdf

[4]

http://www.alldatasheet.com/?gclid=CKGpzoyc_6ICFdFA6

best methods for bio medical application where the doctors can
analyze the subject condition from the place where they are

wod3EVHbw
[5]

p?gclid=CIaFxpmc_

sitting and hence proper and timely Medicare to the patient

can be given so that percentage of childhood death can be

http://www.spirometry.com/ENG/Products/telemedicine.as

[6]

http://www.niitprofessional.com/professional/?siteId=Komli
&adUnit=300x250

reduced to larger extent.

FUTURE SCOPE
With the above mentioned system, keeping this as the basic

[7]

www.google.com

[8]

www.topic hunter.com

[9]

www.epanoram.com

foundation in Tele-medical fields we can built a more robust

[10] http://www.nowsms.com/GSM%20Modems.htm

system that Integration of inpatient and out-patient services,

[11] http://www.nowsms.com/UCP.htm

creating

Case

[12] J. C. Lin, J. Kiernicki, M. Kiernicki and P. B. Wollschlaeger,

Medical

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user

conference

networks

and

research

example:
oriented

Tele-pathology,
Continued

Education. We can Increase In-patient Efficiency Walk Into

The Hospital Down load updated patient list, Down load list

618-620, 1979. C. J. Harland, T. D. Clark and R. J. Prance,

"Electric potential human body," Measurement Science and
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of new consultations ,Voice mail and Video mail ,Messages

from physicians / nursing / patients / Patients family. With
further 4-G technology we can build Wireless Long Distance
[WiLD] Clinical Applications deliver expertise to anywhere in
the world and medical Transportation. Apart from these task
the main challenge still to human begins is implementation of
Tele-surgery in Medical Education.
Acknowledgments
We are very much grateful to Mr. L. Arun Kumar, Chairman,
Mr. K. Shivashankar, Member , Mr. R. Veeresh, Member , Dr.
Srinivasan, Principal ,ACADEMY FOR TECHNICAL AND
MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE,. They have been a source of
inspiration and encouragement.

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Clark and R. J.Prance, "Remote detection of human e input

impedance electric potential sensors," Appl. Phys. Lett., vol.
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